Mabon (Autumn Equinox) is the time of year when we give thanks. The Sun passes over the equator, marking an end to summer in the Northern Hemisphere. This is when there is equal parts day and night, and thoughts turn to harvest, death and rebirth.
It is time for letting go of what no longer serves us, taking stock of what we have accomplished and giving thanks for all that we have. Stones for this time of year are Garnet, Carnelian, Bloodstone, Quartz and Smoky Quartz. As we honor this sabbat, we decorate our alters with brown to symbolize grounding, focus and stability; yellow for creativity, friendship and warmth; and orange for energy and vitality. Burning candles in any or all of these colors helps to summon the autumnal energy of Mabon.
Finding time to honor the Sabbat can be rough with our busy schedules, so don’t worry if you can’t get around to honoring the season on the exact date itself. Finding a quiet time when you feel relaxed and unencumbered is more important. After all, the word “sabbat” itself means “to rest”.
Here is a simple ritual and tarot spread to help you get the most from this time of year.
Ritual
Materials:
An herbal bundle or incense
A lighter, matches
A piece of paper and pen
A fireproof container
Water in case of emergency
Brown, orange and/or yellow candle(s)
Begin by performing a simple smoke cleansing using an herbal blend or incense. Cinnamon, clove, juniper, apple, rose, lavender and myrrh are all nice choices, though feel free to burn any scents that personally correspond to this time of year for you. Start from your head, going down to your toes.
Continue by blessing the space you have chosen for the ceremony. Wave the sacred herb bundle/incense clockwise in a circle three times. *Make sure to be careful when doing this, noting that nothing flammable is in the way when performing this rite*
Call upon the elements of the North (the body, earth) the elements of the South (will and energy, fire), the elements of the West (emotions, water), and the elements of the East (rational thought, air). If you wish to summon any deities during this time, do so now. Specific deities often evoked during this time of year are Persephone/Kore, the Crone/Antiqua personification of the Goddess, Morgan, and Yemaya to name but a few.
Ground yourself whilst performing a meditation for approximately five to ten minutes.
On your piece of paper, write down what has transitioned for you in your life. Next, how you are handling that transition. Then, what some of the things are that you’ve learned along the way. Keep this piece of paper.
On a separate piece of paper write down what no longer serves you and that you no longer wish to have in your life. Go to a safe place where you can burn this paper in a controlled environment in your fireproof container. Read it aloud, then burn it making sure not to burn yourself or any objects/living beings in the vicinity. Let the piece of paper burn down all the way. Once the fire is totally extinguished, you may throw the ashes to the wind. Allow the candle(s) you have lit to burn all the way down to seal your intention. *Remember to never leave a candle or incense burning unattended*
You can continue by performing a tarot spread by asking the same questions.
1 What has transitioned in my life?
2 How am I coping with this transition?
3 What is something I have learned along the way?
4 What no longer serves me?
Happy Autumn Equinox!